Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) coach Ray Jennings was asked why his side had never crossed the 200-run mark on the eve of the game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Jennings was to the point. The coach said totals and targets hardly mattered. The bottomline, according to the South African-born coach, was that as long as the team wins nothing else matters.
Wonder what went through Jennings’ mind when Kings XI Punjab set RCB a mammoth total of 203. Jacques Kallis and Robin Uthappa were very clear about what they had to do. Kallis made an unbeaten and brutish 89 off just 55 balls, while Uthappa hit the second fastest half-century of the Indian Premier League. Manish Pandey made a quickfire 38 and along with Kallis put on 74 in 8.1 overs for the first wicket. RCB promoted Uthappa and Pandey in this game. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, Uthappa batted at No.7 and Pandey at No.3
The move to promote Uthappa up the order paid dividends, while Kallis was once again rock steady. Kallis has learnt to slip into overdrive over the past couple of years. Yet, even when the asking rate is alarming he allows cricketing wisdom to lead the way.
The asking rate was over 10 runs an over at the start of the innings. Both Kallis and Pandey looked rather unperturbed. The KXIP bowling attack is at its best when they get an early breakthrough. That did not happen on Tuesday. In the face of pressure the likes of Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Abdulla and S Sreesanth are known to wither.
Even after Pandey departed, Kallis and Uthappa didn’t allow the applecart to be toppled. Uthappa was brave. When in form, and on the day when Uthappa decides to bat with a cool head, he is one of the better Twenty20 batsmen. His knock included four fours and as many sixes. Soon it was clear that only one team was winning this game.
Sreesanth’s bowling figures were sullied as Uthappa took 25 runs off one over. When Uthappa was dismissed the asking rate was well under control but the game still had to be finished.
Kallis played like a general who has come out on the right side of many a bloody battle. Left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma was singled out for special treatment.
Kallis hit him for 22 runs in the 18th over of the innings.
Earlier, electing to bat, Ravi Bopara and Manvinder Bisla helped the visitors get off to a good start. They added 129 in 14.1 overs.
Yuvraj Singh batted at No.3 but he failed to click once again.
Bopara along with Mahela Jayawardene added 53 runs for the third wicket. Bopara was instrumental in taking the total over 200. However, his effort was overshadowed by Kallis and Uthappa.
